Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Quotes: Social Class (2)

Social class 10 " Sir Thomas in anticipation of Fanny’s arrival: there will be some difficulty in our way…as to the distinction proper to be made between the girls as they grow up; how to preserve in the minds of my daughters the consciousness of what they are, without making them think too lowly of their cousin; and how, without depressing her spirits too far, to make her remember that she is not a Miss Bertram…they cannot be equals…rank, fortune, rights, and expectations, will always be different…a point of great delicacy." Austen, MansfieldPark.

Social class 147 “ 'I am not going to urge her,' –replied Mrs. Norris sharply, 'but I shall think her a very obstinate, ungrateful girl, if she does not do what her aunt and cousins wish her—very ungrateful indeed, considering who and what she is.' ” Austen, MansfieldPark.

Social class 221 Mrs. Norris to Fanny: "The nonsense and folly of people’s stepping out of their rank and trying to appear above themselves, makes me think it right to give you a hint, Fanny, now that you are going into company without any of us; and I do beseech and entreat you not to be putting yourself forward, and talking and giving your opinion as if you were one of your cousins…". Austen, MansfieldPark.